Transfer Profile

Students, faculty, and staff at the University of Northern Iowa have made it clear that they are extremely proud of their institution.

Prospective students and their families quickly learn that “Purple for Life” is more than just a saying…it’s a reality.

Students at UNI get the best of both worlds—a large university environment with a small college atmosphere—where they can really stand out, excel, and find the right fit. UNI is nationally recognized for its high educational standards, and students are provided with a variety of opportunities to live and learn together. The reasons why students choose to be “Purple for Life” are endless.

The right fitThe right fit means a university where credits will transfer seamlessly. Where students fit in and make friends their very first day. Where faculty and advisors provide expert guidance so they can graduate on time. The right fit is UNI.

Each year more than a third of our new students have transferred from a community college or other college/university. But you’d never know it, because they’re just as involved in class discussions, leadership positions, and residence hall life as any other Panther.

The right campus for learningWith enrollment at nearly 12,000, UNI is proud to be recognized for the past 20 years as one of the “Best Midwest Universities” by U.S. News & World Report. Transfer students will be challenged and encouraged to apply what they learned at their previous college. With more than 160 majors, areas of emphasis, and pre-professional programs, students will receive exceptional instruction from faculty (not graduate assistants) in classes that average just 23 students. Students are seen and heard at UNI (our student-faculty ratio is 17:1), and their opinions and perspectives matter.

Each of UNI’s colleges—College of Education; College of Business Administration; College of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences; and College of Social and Behavioral Sciences—offer a variety of majors, minors, graduate, and doctorate programs to prepare students for success after college.

UNI’s College of Education is the largest of Iowa’s 32 teacher education programs. More than 450 new teachers graduate from UNI each year.

The College of Business Administration is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International)—the most prestigious business school accreditation in the world. Less than 5% of the world’s 13,000 business schools have received this honor.

The College of Humanities, Arts, and Sciences produces nearly 30% of Iowa’s science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers, a percentage that’s higher than any other Iowa university.

And UNI’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers the only undergraduate Gerontology degree in Iowa.

One of the most affordable universities in Iowa UNI is one of the most affordable universities in Iowa. More than 92% of UNI’s transfer students receive some sort of financial aid (scholarships, loans, grants, work-study). Upon admission, transfer students with 30 or more credit hours with a GPA of 3.25 are automatically awarded the Transfer Scholars Award. Community college transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) can also qualify for a range of PTK scholarships.

Approximately 96% of last year’s graduates found success after graduation. And when UNI students graduate, they owe less money than students who graduate from any four-year public institution in Iowa.

Breaking away from national trends in student borrowing, UNI has seen its average student loan indebtedness decrease by 13% over the past six years. The overall decline in borrowing can be attributed to three primary factors: • Additional loan counseling for students who consider private lending options• The number of Teaching majors taking advantage of the federal TEACH Grant Program designed for students planning to teach in a high-need field• Financial literacy initiatives, including UNI’s Live Like a Student courses, which help students make responsible decisions regarding money

A home away from homeStudents, faculty, and staff at UNI have access to one of America’s best college dining services, outstanding health and wellness services, a performing arts complex, and venues for playing and watching sports.

UNI offers Living Learning Communities in each of its 10 residence halls. Students are surrounded by other students who share their interests, whether academic or non-academic.

When it’s time to refuel, students head over to one of UNI’s dining centers, restaurants, convenience stores, and cafés. Whatever they’re craving, the University is sure to have it.

UNI also has more than 250 student clubs and organizations, so there’s bound to be at least one (and probably many more) that sounds like fun. Students can participate in everything from music, Greek Life, honor societies, student government, faith-based organizations, and many more.

And UNI has found that everyone looks good in purple. With 17 Division I men’s and women’s athletic teams, the campus community has the opportunity to cheer from the stands or play in the band or on a team.

Purple for life UNI has seen many successes in the past 140 years. It will continue to provide transformative learning experiences that inspire students to embrace challenge, engage in critical inquiry and creative thought, and contribute to society. Students, faculty, staff, and alumni will continue to be “Purple for Life” and look toward all of the successes that are yet to come.

AT A GLANCE

Fast Facts

1/3 Number of UNI students who are transfer students

7 out of 10UNI students who have community college credit on their transcripts

55% Number of UNI students with AA degrees

23 Average size of an undergraduate class at UNI

450 Annual number of new teachers graduating from UNI each year, making UNI’s Teacher Education program the largest in Iowa

Top 5 Graduating majors for 2014–2015: Elementary Education, Psychology, Communication, Management: Business Administration, and Social Work